The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated on August 15. While this is a belief which goes back to the apostolic age, it was proclaimed dogma on Nov. 1, 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
The word assumption means “to take up.” It is believed that Mary was assumed into heaven by the power of God. This is not the same as the Ascension of Jesus. Jesus ascended into heaven by His own power. The assumption of Mary into heaven gives glory to God by whose power she was taken into heaven.
Pope Pius XII in the papal document, Munificentimus Deus gives four reasons why we believe in the dogma of Assumption of Mary. He explained that the uninterrupted tradition about Mary’s death and assumption began in the first century. The belief is expressed in all the ancient liturgies of the Church. He added that the negative evidence is the absence of veneration of a tomb of Mary while most of the apostles have tombs.
In the Old Testament there is the possibility of bodily assumption in the cases of Enoch (Gen. 5:24), Moses (Deut. 34:5) and Elijah (IIKg. 2:1)
The theological reasons for believing in the Assumption of Mary are twofold.
First; Mary was “immaculately conceived”. This means she was born without the consequence of “original sin” and is exempted from the postmortem decay of the body. She is sometimes referred to as “The Second Eve“.
Second; Mary received the fullness of grace and holiness as the mother of Jesus. Her place is with her son Jesus, the redeemer in heaven.
Good Lady, bearer of our good Lord,
watch over us…lead us to the safe harbor
of God’s will.
Quote of St. John Damascene; Feast day December 4The Assumption of Mary in Art
August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Prayers Quips and Quotes Articles for the Month of August
